Saturday, January 31, 2015

Gaming Pioneer Trip Hawkins Unpacks Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the Kickoff to a New Webinar Series

Gaming Pioneer Trip Hawkins Unpacks Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the Kickoff to a New Webinar Series

Gaming Pioneer Trip Hawkins Unpacks Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the Kickoff to a New Webinar Series

PresenceLearning

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (PRWEB) January 13, 2015

As changes and new aspirations for special education programs and their students unfold, special education leaders need support and practical strategies to transform new ideas into reality. To help districts nationwide create positive change in their special education programs, PresenceLearning is launching a new webinar series titled “Special Agents of Change.” This free, four-part webinar series will kick off on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 10 AM Pacific time (1 PM Eastern time) with gaming pioneer Trip Hawkins. The 90-minute webinar titled “How Games Can Help Children with Special Needs Develop Critical Life Skills” discusses Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how specially-designed games can teach these skills to students with special needs in an engaging manner.

To sign up for the webinar, visit: http://pages.presencelearning.com/special-agents-of-change-trip-hawkins-register.html.

SEL is gaining traction in the education world as its implementation has shown a positive change in student behavior, improved social interactions and better academic outcomes. With SEL, students learn to regulate emotions and develop skills such as social sensitivity, expression, humor, conflict-resolution and collaboration â€" all of which contribute to the child as a whole as well as improve school climate.

After this webinar, attendees will:
•Gain a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and practical tools for improving it.
•Recognize the many dimensions of SEL as they relate to students with special needs.
•See an example of an award-winning game that engages children with fun play while teaching and measuring SEL skills.

About Special Agents of Change
PresenceLearning’s Spring 2015 webinar series “Special Agents of Change” features four thought leaders and their expert experience in the special education field. Following Trip Hawkins’ webinar on SEL, communication intervention and literacy expert Dr. Shari Robertson will discuss collaboration and early intervention, neuroscientist Dr. Martha Burns will cover new research and techniques related to autism and attention disorders in older students and special education expert Dr. Frances Stetson will highlight five major pitfalls in reimagining special education programs. Participate in all four to become a special agent of change.

Since 2009, PresenceLearning’s online speech therapy services have provided schools with a practical, affordable new option for service delivery: web-based access to a nationwide network of live, highly qualified, fully licensed speech-language pathologists who are available whenever and wherever they are needed. PresenceLearning also offers online occupational therapy (OT), online behavioral and mental health services, and online assessments. By partnering with PresenceLearning, school districts can fill staffing gaps related to acute and chronic shortages of related services personnel, reduce high caseloads for onsite personnel, reduce their backlog of assessments, improve student outcomes and become more efficient. PresenceLearning also offers access to technical specialists, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse clinicians.

PresenceLearning has delivered nearly half a million live online therapy sessions to students in public school districts, charter schools and virtual schools of all sizes nationwide.

About Trip Hawkins
Trip Hawkins is redefining SEL as co-founder and CEO of If You Can Company, a maker of educational games. Hawkins founded and built legendary games company, Electronic Arts, and played a key role in defining the PC industry as an executive during the early days at Apple. Hawkins introduced many strategies and practices to the PC and game industries and was the creative force behind EA Sports. He later led Digital Chocolate to deliver 200 million mobile app downloads. The first and only business executive named to the game industry Hall of Fame by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, he has won many other awards and is the only game industry personage to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the IEEE, the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation.

About PresenceLearning
PresenceLearning (http://www.presencelearning.com) is the leading provider of online speech and occupational therapy, behavioral and mental health services and assessments for K-12 districts and families of children with special needs. PresenceLearning’s nationwide network includes hundreds of highly qualified speech language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs) and mental health professionals. Therapy sessions are delivered “anytime anywhere” via live videoconferencing using the latest in evidence-based practices combined with powerful progress reporting.

Serving thousands of students in public, charter and virtual schools across the U.S. and globally, PresenceLearning has shown that online delivery of related services is practical, convenient and highly effective.

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Social Network Game Development in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated

Social Network Game Development in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated

Social Network Game Development in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 12, 2015

Since its inception, the Social Network Game Development industry is has quickly expanded. Revenue is anticipated to grow in the five years to 2014. The surging adoption of the internet and social networks, including social networking websites and smartphones with connectivity to social networks, has driven industry revenue over the period. High growth is anticipated to continue over 2014, with revenue rising during the year.

According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Britanny Carter, “The industry's growth has been stimulated by the emergence of new markets that have embraced social gaming.” Social networks, and the accompanying technology, have placed gaming within reach of the average computer user. As such, consumers that have not played video games before began joining these games at accelerating rates. Women over 40 represent the fastest-growing segment, and these consumers began by simply participating in social games and eventually became regular users. This trend will continue to benefit industry revenue in subsequent years, as women over 40 continue to join and new market segments embrace social gaming.

The industry will continue to experience strong growth over the next five years. However, social networks are beginning to charge more for virtual currency transactions, which will eat into industry costs. “Since social networks are hosting these games, they are looking to generate more revenue due to the increased interest in social gaming,” says Carter. Nonetheless, several beneficial trends will keep the industry growing quickly, albeit at a slower rate than during the past five years. The surge in smartphone popularity and internet connections will continue, linking more people to social games and networks. Disposable income is also set to rise, which will result in more virtual currency purchases. As a result of these trends, IBISWorld projects that industry revenue will rise in the five years to 2019.

For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Social Network Game Development in the US industry report page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld
Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

Companies in this industry develop video games played on a social network platform. This includes websites such as Facebook and smartphone applications. The games developed within this industry are free to play and do not require the user to own any software or console to participate. Companies earn revenue through the sale of virtual goods within a game and also via advertisements. The Social Network Game Development industry is a fairly new research area that was established in 2007.

Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.


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Experiential Event Entertainment Company Launches iCamSurf - Interactive Fun for Corporate Promotions

Experiential Event Entertainment Company Launches iCamSurf - Interactive Fun for Corporate Promotions

Experiential Event Entertainment Company Launches iCamSurf - Interactive Fun for Corporate Promotions

Event Entertainment for Trade Shows and Corporate Events Great for promotions and marketing!

Honolulu, Hawaii (PRWEB) January 14, 2015

ICAMSURF â€" THE EXPERIENTIAL EVENT ENTERTAINMENT PORTABLE SYSTEM

Surf Simulator Events introduces a new computerized system that allows anyone to surf on a full sized Virtual
Surfboard on dryland... or use a Magic Carpet to simulate surfing a continuous 30 foot wave anywhere and anyplace in the world for a trade show, corporate event or promotion - indoors or outdoors without getting wet.

iCamSurfing is the new interactive dryland surf experience that requires fun, physical participation using standard webcams. A PC webcam running windows 7 / 8 can now read complex body movements for playing a variety of interactive games.

A revolution to the interactive game market is being introduced by Experiential Event Entertainment called iCAMSURF â€" THE PORTABLE SURF PARTY - which simplifies the deployment of entertainment events worldwide. More than 15 years ago, the company introduced the world's first electronic, waterless, surfboard simulator system for dry land. The launch of their new iCAMSURF software series combines the power of successful 3D gaming along with Extreme Reality's webcam Sensing engine. The webcam software engine maximizes the interactive on screen gameplay while providing the choice of using a real surfboard or simple surfboard shaped rug. It is like standing in front of a security camera - any move you make is sensed and interpreted into riding a huge Hawaiian Waimea Wave on any video screen or controlling a soccer ball or car race with simple body movements.

In addition, the proprietary software can be quickly customized. For example, project a continuous, gigantic 30 foot virtual tube wave decorated with corporate logos, banners and branded coins. The “surfer wannabe” stands in front of the webcam and large monitor and strikes surfer-like poses and movements on dry land to control all the surfing action in the virtual wave tube. The portable and quick deployment iCAMSURF technology offers a broader, new and exciting entertainment event for any aged guests at retail operations, trade shows, marketing / promotion, restaurants, hotels or parties all within a smaller footprint.

iCAMSURF technology will be used for corporate events, trade shows, fund raisers interactive museum exhibits, hotels and retailers that demand standalone interactive displays where manpower is a costly resource.

The iCAMSURF motion control recognition system is powered by well-known software company Extreme Reality, the only company to provide full-body, software-based, 3D motion analysis and control to any computing device via a standard web camera. As a valued partner, Extreme Reality was integral to development of the unique surfing game as it provided the robust engine that harnessed the power of the existing onboard web cam of any laptop or external web cam turning it into virtual, hands-free controller for PC games.

Surf Simulator Entertainment Events plans to offer the surfing system as a licensed software for entertainment events to engage guests at corporate events, trade shows and other promotional activities. Business operators, restaurants, bars and events as well as business owners can utilize the system as an addition to their present promotional tools.

About Extreme Reality
Extreme Reality software enables a future where people interact with computing devices through the motion of their body. Providing full-body, software-based, motion analysis and control to any computing device or operating system via a standard camera. Offered as a software development kit (SDK) (Available online: http://www.xtr3d.com/developers) motion control is available to any developer on any operating system, Windows, iOS and Android. Extreme Reality was founded in 2005 and is based in Herzelia, Israel.

About iCAMsurf
Surfsimulator Events / iCAMsurf Virtual Surfing has been in the marketing/advertising and promotions business for over 20 years across the globe from Dubai, Japan as far as South Africa delivering “experiential” events to promote brands and entertain. With team backgrounds coming from Atari, Nintendo, Sega and Nordic track, the group has developed successful, interactive software focused on engaging any age and culture. Their worldwide reputation is based upon their patented “Virtual Surf Simulator Systems” which use a real electronic surfboard to teach people how to surf and sharpen their balance skills on dryland. The iCAMsurf system is a completely new alternative requested by many clients who are subjected to limited space, manpower and need quick deployment time . Sans electronic surfboard, the new guest experience is simplified â€" a standard webcam reads the movements of the guests (standing directly in front of the video screen) to control the exciting s urf action while the spectators are exposed to the brand and product images. http://www.surfsimulatorevents.com


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Friday, January 30, 2015

Maximum Games Announces RUGBY 15 Release

Maximum Games Announces RUGBY 15 Release

Maximum Games Announces RUGBY 15 Release

Ruggers get Rough!

Walnut Creek, CA (PRWEB) January 29, 2015

Next month America will experience all the raw excitement of the country’s fastest growing sport, with the arrival of RUGBY 15, announced Maximum Games today. The first next-gen rugby game to hit the market, RUGBY 15 arrives February 24th on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, giving sports enthusiasts a chance to get on the field with official teams in the most revered leagues in the world.

Developed by HB Studios â€" creators of the successful Madden, FIFA, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, and Rugby World Cup franchises, RUGBY 15 offers players of all levels a chance to jump in to the rambunctious, highly exhilarating action whether they have experience with the sport or not. The game provides three difficulty levels, so novices can start in the Easy mode to learn the controls and moves, while hardcore rugby fans may want to dive into the more difficult modes to enjoy all the fierce rivalry of the sport.

“This is a great introduction for anyone that wants to try playing a rugby video game,” said Luke Shelnutt, Senior Producer at Maximum Games. “The controls have been simplified for newcomers to the sport, but for advanced ruggers, the game becomes more technical and challenging as you progress.”

A screen-by-screen tutorial kicks off the competition, which includes playing with four major licensed European leagues (TOP 14, Aviva Premiership Rugby, PRO 12 and PRO D2), professional sportscasting, variable weather conditions and customizable teams.

“RUGBY 15 is a realistic representation of the sport that has a massive worldwide following, and in just a few weeks, gamers will understand exactly why rugby is taking off in the U.S., as well,” said Len Ciciretto, President at Maximum Games.

Players will have the option to choose up to three local opponents to go up against, as well as create a 'Custom Tournament' by devising their own set of rules (number of participants, type of competition, etc.), and matching up custom teams to create the league of their dreams.

RUGBY 15 is available February 24th, 2015 for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, and Xbox One. For more information about RUGBY 15 or Maximum Games, please visit http://www.maximumgames.com.

About Maximum Games
Maximum Games is committed to providing quality entertainment for the gamer in everyone. Our mission is to give all people, regardless of age or interest, a solid gaming experience. We deliver premier, cross-generational console and digital titles around the world, pushing our creative limits to foster innovation in video game entertainment. For more information, please visit http://www.maximumgames.com.

About HB Studios
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, HB Studios is an electronic entertainment software company that specializes in creating console, mobile, handheld and PC games. To date, HB has shipped 45 titles, selling over 23 million units, and contributed to 19 others. More information about HB Studios and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.hb-studios.com.

About the Ligue Nationale de Rugby
The Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) organizes, inspects, develops, manages and promotes French professional rugby, and provides assistance and advice to its 30 clubs. The TOP 14 is comprised of the 14 best rugby clubs and the PRO D2, which is the second professional division, with16 clubs. The TOP 14 champion is decided in a final playoff match that takes place at the Stade de France (90,0000 seats), near Paris, and is awarded the famous Bouclier de Brennus.

“PlayStation” and “PS3” are registered trademarks. “PS4” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks or trade names are the properties of their respective owners.


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Thursday, January 29, 2015

iCOMBAT Laser Tag Business Management Software Reaching New Heights in 2015

iCOMBAT Laser Tag Business Management Software Reaching New Heights in 2015

iCOMBAT Laser Tag Business Management Software Reaching New Heights in 2015

ICE Game Screen

Whitewater, WI (PRWEB) January 09, 2015

iCOMBAT, the world-wide leader in laser tag equipment manufacturing, has big plans for their business management software in 2015. The software, consisting of the iCOMBAT Engine (ICE) for game and equipment management, and the Barracks, an online facility and player management suite, is slated for huge upgrades this year and has already set high expectations.

Laser tag facilities that use iCOMBAT equipment can opt for one of the paid licenses, each with different features. They can download the ICE software and run basic games for free, but special missions, use of props, and ranked game play all require a license. The Barracks (online) is where these operators can create their license accounts, manage their marketing and finances, and set up reservations and bookings.

The Barracks also serves as the player community. Players can create memberships for use at any licensed facility, make reservations, track their statistics, and view the leaderboards â€" just like in popular video games. The achievements they’ve earned can also be viewed here.

In just shy of 18 months, over 50,000 members have created accounts at licensed iCOMBAT facilities. That’s big news for iCOMBAT facilities. More laser tag facilities than ever before are switching to the iCOMBAT system and gaining the benefits of the software. “We’re excited to have some of the most popular laser tag fields on earth joining the iCOMBAT family,” said President Rick Jensen.

The tools iCOMBAT software gives operators are truly innovative and helpful. Coming this year is a complete point-of-sale system that integrates with everything else. Operators will not have to purchase separate software any longer. Multiple language support is also slated for release, allowing iCOMBAT equipment and software to be used around the world with ease.


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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Yamaha?s Renowned Line of Pacifica Electric Guitars Now Available in the United States

Yamaha?s Renowned Line of Pacifica Electric Guitars Now Available in the United States

Yamaha’s Renowned Line of Pacifica Electric Guitars Now Available in the United States

Yamaha Pacifica PAC611HFM

BUENA PARK, Calif. (PRWEB) January 05, 2015

Yamaha today announced that based on customer requests for the entire lineup of Pacifica electric guitars, the company will for the first time market the entire lineup in the United States. Models from the 012, 112 and 212 Pacifica series have been readily available in the United States for a number of years. Now that the 611, 510 and 311 series are available in the United States, the Pacifica line price points will range from $ 179.99 to $ 929 MSRP.

Pacifica guitars, which offer legendary Yamaha quality and value, feature solid tonewood construction with Alder bodies, Rosewood fingerboards and Maple necks. Their versatility is due in large part to top-notch pickup and hardware selections, helping guitarists create a diverse tonal palette.

The flagship PAC611HFM model includes a gorgeous Flamed Maple top, Graph Tech String-Saver saddle, color-matched headstock, Grover locking tuners and Seymour Duncan SP90-1 and Custom 5 with coil tap pickups.

Consisting of an Alder body and Maple neck, the PAC510V comes with one Seymour Duncan Trembucker P-Rails pickup that offers three distinct tonal setting options, including a full humbucker, a soapbar single coil and a traditional single coil. It also includes a Wilkinson bridge. Guitar Player magazine recently bestowed this model with its Editors’ Pick Award.

The PAC311H, also constructed with an Alder body and Maple neck, features custom-wound P90/AlnicoV and Humbucker/AlnicoV pickups along with Grover locking tuners.

“For years, our dealer base has been clamoring for more Pacifica guitars, which are highly regarded in most countries,” said Armando Vega, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars, Yamaha Corporation of America. “Finally, the time is right to introduce the entire Pacifica lineup to American guitarists.”

Pricing and Availability: Yamaha Pacifica guitars (MSRP: $ 629-$ 929) will ship in January 2015.

For more information, visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2014 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 22-25, 2015, or http://4wrd.it/yamahaguitars.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and Nexo commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, Blu-ray/CD players, iPod docking systems, home-theater-in-a-box systems, earphones, headphones, sound bars, and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, installation and consumer markets.


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RCN Introduces 110Mbps Internet Service Across Its Lehigh Valley Network

RCN Introduces 110Mbps Internet Service Across Its Lehigh Valley Network

RCN Introduces 110Mbps Internet Service Across Its Lehigh Valley Network

Princeton, NJ (PRWEB) January 12, 2015

RCN, an industry-leading provider of high-speed Internet, digital TV and phone services, proudly announces that it has introduced faster Internet service speeds across its Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, network. The new speeds offer 110/15 Megabits per second (Mbps) download/upload, which is more than four times the rates of other competitive service offerings in the region.

While surfing today’s Internet, users routinely encounter high-definition movies, video, video games and other large files to download and stream. Similarly, video uploads to popular social media and Over the Top (OTT) sites like Facebook, YouTube, Skype and others require higher bandwidth capacity than ever before. Users look to Internet Service Providers to deliver bandwidth levels that allow them to enjoy content uninterrupted by buffering, stalled content or latency delays of any kind.

“RCN customers require super fast Internet service in order to access gaming, content and interactive applications available today,” states Sanford Ames, Vice President and General Manager of RCN Lehigh Valley. “We continue to push advancements to our client base in Lehigh Valley and strive to outpace the speeds offered by our competition.”

“RCN has made a commitment to our customers to always stay ahead of the curve with regard to technology,” confirms RCN COO Chris Fenger. “Our team members are users themselves, and we recognize the benefits of fast Internet speeds to households that simultaneously do homework, research business projects, collaboratively game across the world and communicate with family members in distant locations. Faster Internet helps to redefine life through all the ways we now live connected in some way. This motivates RCN to provide an excellent user experience, and that’s what these new faster speeds are delivering for our Lehigh Valley customers today.”

RCN has been recognized by Netflix, YouTube and PCMagazine readers in regards to exceeding user expectations for fast and reliable Internet service. The 110/15 speeds will allow users in Lehigh Valley to download a 1GB file in just one minute and more quickly upload large video files, photos, presentations and other data files.

The new 110/15Mbps tier offers a strong value, starting at $ 49.99 per month for new customers, with no long-term contracts and a three-year price assurance. This new Internet speed tier is available immediately, and customers can enjoy this benefit when they sign up with RCN. Additional information about the 110Mbps Internet service and other RCN products can be found at rcn.com or by calling 1-800-RING-RCN.

About RCN Telecom Services, LLC
RCN Telecom Services, LLC (http://www.rcn.com and http://www.rcn.com/business) provides industry-leading high-speed Internet, all-digital TV and phone services for residential, small/medium and Enterprise business customers. PC Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award named RCN one of the winners for best cable broadband ISPs in 2013 â€" RCN was rated highest in satisfaction for reliability. RCN was also ranked #1 in Boston by Netflix for the best viewing experience. RCN's affordably priced advanced digital services are delivered through our proprietary, state-of-the-art fiber-rich network and supported by 100% U.S.-based customer service. RCN's primary service areas include Boston, Chicago, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

RCN Media Contact:
Jaymie Scotto & Associates for RCN
866-695-3629
jsa_rcn(at)jaymiescotto(dot)com


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Cleveland Storyteller Announces New Corporate Keynote Series for Events and Fundraisers

Cleveland Storyteller Announces New Corporate Keynote Series for Events and Fundraisers

Cleveland Storyteller Announces New Corporate Keynote Series for Events and Fundraisers

The Cleveland Storyteller brings a relaxed, after-hours flavor with his fascinating Cleveland history tales

Cleveland, Ohio (PRWEB) January 16, 2015

Dan Ruminski has announced a new Cleveland Storyteller's Corporate Keynote Series specifically intended for company events, sales meetings, or fundraisers. Using engaging accounts of the leaders who defined Cleveland's history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ruminski entertains audiences while delivering lessons applicable to today.

The Cleveland Storyteller's lively tales of the city and its remarkable people are authentic, entertaining, and personable. These 30-minute to one-hour presentations make an ideal keynote talk for events or motivational launches.

Ruminski makes you feel as if you're joining him fireside in a mansion on Millionaire's row. His collection of stories and historical discoveries unlock a remarkable cast of characters who left a legacy that we can learn from today. Your audience will hear surprising details and untold stories not found in any textbook that will draw parallels between Millionaires' Row heyday and the renaissance Cleveland is experiencing now.

According to Jon Lawrence, VP, Complex Director of Merrill Lynch, "We were delighted to have partnered with Dan Ruminski, Cleveland Storyteller, this year! Thru several client events, Dan enlightened us about the amazing history of Cleveland and shared stories that made us all feel more connected to our great city. Thanks to Dan for his insightful and creative storytelling; making all of us proud about our town and our mission to serve our clients in Northeast Ohio."

These stories uncover numerous lessons from Cleveland greats, including a desire to succeed against all odds, the determination to thrive in spite of economic strife, and a commitment to strong values that held up in even the most challenging times. These are the attributes that contributed to the success of the men and women who built Cleveland, and the same principles hold true today. Though Ruminski's enlightening stories, we grow an appreciation for the people who shaped Cleveland and created a dynamic and bustling economy.

Uncork Cleveland's lively history at your next corporate event. Ruminski brings a relaxed, after-hours flavor with his fascinating Cleveland history tales, providing a truly different experience to your event.

About
The Cleveland Storyteller's mission is to share the unique history that led the city to national and world recognition. Using little known, carefully researched stories, Dan Ruminski creates entertaining presentations of the history and helps promote Cleveland's greatness.

Mr. Ruminski was a teacher and coach at Gilmour Academy before buying his floor matting products business, Martinson-Nicholls. But his passion for history remained, and he has become a recognized expert on Cleveland history. When he gave his first talk on Millionaires' Row at library, where 40 were expected, over 100 showed up.

The Cleveland Storyteller continues to research the families and history of Northeast, Ohio. The clevelandhistorylessons.com website features his DVD and book, speaking schedule, and information on how to contact him for fundraisers. Learn more at ClevelandStoryTeller.com, or call Dan Ruminski directly at (440) 951-1312.


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Dove's 2004 "Real Beauty" Campaign Leads Ad Age's List of the Top 15 Ad Campaigns of 21st Century

Dove's 2004 "Real Beauty" Campaign Leads Ad Age's List of the Top 15 Ad Campaigns of 21st Century

Dove's 2004 "Real Beauty" Campaign Leads Ad Age's List of the Top 15 Ad Campaigns of 21st Century

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 12, 2015

For its influential role in challenging social norms and sparking a worldwide conversation that continues to shape advertising and cultural trends to this day, Dove’s 2004 Real Beauty campaign has been named the top campaign of the 21st Century â€" so far â€" by Advertising Age.

Dove’s milestone campaign leads the list of Ad Age’s Top 15 Ad Campaigns of the 21st Century, a ranking of the watershed moments that have set new standards for the advertising industry, pioneered new categories, catapulted brands to the top of their market, and impacted popular culture. The top 15 highlight the trends that illustrate how marketers speak to 21st Century consumers, whether it is through new digital and interactive channels, tapping into social causes, creating new products or creating unforgettable characters, songs and catchphrases.

Other campaign’s leading the list include: Old Spice’s 2010 The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (# 4), a trailblazer for its use of customized tailored content and social channels; Burger King’s 2004 Subservient Chicken (#8), the viral hit that paved the way for interactive campaigns; Budweiser’s 2000 Whassup (#13), which penetrated pop culture and the vernacular and showed that multicultural was already mainstream; and UNICEF’s 2007 Tap Project (#15), which encouraged restaurant patrons for a single day to pay for their free drinking water, raising more than $ 2.5 million to date for safe drinking water initiatives. (The full list of the 15 campaigns is below.)

The list was selected by a panel of marketing and advertising industry leaders that included Droga5 Founder David Droga; Publicis Worldwide Chairman Susan McManama Gianinno; Brad Jakeman, PepsiCo’s President, Global Beverage Group; McCann XBC’s Chief Creative Officer Joyce King Thomas; and Google’s Executive Creative Director Robert Wong. (See full list of judges below.). In addition, Ad Age members voted for the top campaigns of the 21st Century, with subscribers and readers singling out several campaigns for the Members’ Choice winners that did not make the judges list, including Geico: Gecko Campaign, Volkswagen: The Force, and Progressive: "Flo" Campaign.

The Top 15 Ad Campaigns of the 21st Century list is unveiled in the January 12th issue Ad Age and in an online showcase debuting today (http://www.adage.com/topadcampaigns) featuring video and images from the campaigns and interviews with many of their creators and members of the judging panel. A new ebook going on sale today, Advertising Age’s Top Ad Campaigns will provide readers with an in-depth look at the campaigns, as well as the top 100 campaigns of the 20th Century as selected by Ad Age in 1999. For just $ 4.99, users can reference this resource of the most memorable campaigns for inspiration. Available from Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

“In just fifteen years, advertising and marketing have evolved dramatically in response to rapid changes in technology, media, and culture,” said Ken Wheaton, Advertising Age’s managing editor. “Our goal is to single out the campaigns that have captured our imagination, and changed the way we interact with brands and organizations.”

Ad Age’s Top 15 Ad Campaigns of the 21st Century
(Also available at http://www.adage.com/topadcampaigns)

1.    Dove: Campaign for Real Beauty (2004, Ogilvy)
This was a bold move by a Unilever brand to challenge cultural norms. The idea was to start a discussion around the notion that the definition of beautiful had become limiting. There have been a range of award-winning executions, including a film in 2006, “Evolution” and a follow-up in 2013 with the moving “Sketches” work.

2.    Nike: Nike+ (2007, R/GA)
This campaign stretched the possibilities for marketing into a new realm -- forget TV commercials. Now agencies could create platforms. In partnership with Apple, R/GA created this system for Nike to hook up shoes with a tracking device that could wireless connect with an athlete’s iPod, transmitting running stats that can be uploaded to iTunes. The site then let athletes track their own goals and hook up with a larger community or runners to compare performance. That evolved into another winning effort with the Fuelband a few years later, sparking the whole wearables trend. For an agency, it is the Holy Grail; to not just influence the advertising of a product but to be in on the ground floor of the development of it as well.

3.    BMW Films (2001, Fallon)
This campaign defined modern branded entertainment: eight short internet films, each conceived by a different filmmaker, with celebrity Clive Owen as the big star. And in each, BMW vehicles are integrated into the scripts (such as Chosen, Ambush, The Follow, The Star, Powder Keg). The movies were seen 11 million times in a matter of four months, and the carmaker saw its sales increase 12% in the span of a year.

4.    Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (2010, Wieden & Kennedy)
This effort revived an old-school brand for P&G. It was a feat of storytelling through digital, explaining how the handsome Isaiah Mustafah was the ideal man for women. The sheer scale of it and the ability to create the Responses campaign, which was customized tailored content in a flash, showed how brands could use social channels for CRM and interaction with Old Spice’s biggest fans.

5.    Red Bull: Stratos (2012)
There have been shows, concerts, sporting events but Felix Baumgartner’s stunt was the first and only sponsored leap from the edge of space. The 24-mile freefall jump broke 5 Guinness records and it also sold plenty of product. TV, radio and other news outlets everywhere tuned into the event via live stream and the brand earned tons of media mentions. In the first six months after the “Stratos” effort, Red Bull sales rose 7% to $ 1.6 billion.

6.    Burger King: Subservient Chicken (2004, Crispin Porter & Bogusky)
This approach took literally the idea of Burger King’s message to consumers: “Get Chicken the Way You Want It.” This interactive idea came with an intentionally lo-fi look -- a man in a chicken costume in a simple living room setting. Users could submit commands and the human chicken would respond. It was a stunt that went viral and was so successful that it was used in future campaigns. Underscoring the campaign’s popularity, the chain has just brought the Subservient Chicken back after a decade.

7.    American Express: Small Business Saturday (2010, Digitas, CP&B)
Started the day after Black Friday encouraging shoppers to visit Main Street brick and mortar shops to help patronize them amid the shopping season rather than just big box or, increasingly, shopping online. The first year Amex bought Facebook inventory that it turned over to small merchants, and made a success out of the hashtag #smallbusinesssaturday. It was an example of a campaign that started as a one-time promotion but had legs beyond that day, and is now still recognized. The campaign has solidified its reputation amid the very important small business community.

8.    Apple: Get a Mac (2006, TBWA/Media Arts Lab)
A rare example of an effective, palatable comparative ad campaign. Each ad, in which John Hodgman personified a PC and Justin Long personified Apple, managed to portray PCs (and thus Microsoft) in a brutal way. PCs were painted as inferior, unreliable and virus-ridden. Yet the ads were entertaining, making fans for Apple beyond just the fanboys. Market share went up. The series became so successful there were 66 ‘Get a Mac’ ads in all. And the consistency was uncanny, all overseen by the same director at Epoch Films.

9.    P&G: Thank You, Mom (2012, Wieden & Kennedy)
Rather than sponsor just the Olympics, P&G saw value in sponsoring those who make the games happen. Not the athletes, but the families and specifically the Moms who support the athletes all throughout their childhood. A series of emotional spots rolled out and as part of the campaign, and in an updated version for 2014, P&G sent $ 1,000 Visa gift cards to each of the 357 Olympic athletes' moms to help them travel to Sochi. The masterfully edited spot “Best Job” won the Emmy for best Primetime Commercial.

10.    American Legacy Foundation: Truth (2000, Arnold, CP&B)
Inspired by a Florida state campaign, Truth, launched in February 2000, and is the largest national youth anti-smoking campaign. It’s also the only national campaign not overseen by the tobacco industry. Through unconventional methods including public stunts and bold billboards, the campaign exposes the tactics of the tobacco industry, the truth about the health effects and social consequences of smoking.

11.    Dos Equis: Most Interesting Man in the World (2006, EuroRSCG [now Havas])
He’s tangled with bears, won arm wrestling matches and surfed the toughest waters in the world with ease. He’s the most interesting man! Everyone has seen these funny ads starring the dashing Jonathan Goldsmith. And they all know the way they end: "I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis...Stay thirsty, my friends." The spots have become a web meme and sales are said to have gone up 22% thanks to the entertaining branding push.

12.    Metro Trains: Dumb Ways to Die (2012, McCann, Melbourne)
Swept the 2013 awards shows for its willingness to tackle a serious topic with a cute, comedic approach and unfurl the campaign over various platforms. This was a true integrated effort that started as a radio campaign, turned into billboards, a mobile game and a YouTube video that netted millions of views. The catchy, original tune helped to drive home the message to be safe around trains. And in the end the campaign really worked, with rail accidents falling since the start of the push.

13.    Budweiser: Whassup (2000, DDB)
This worldwide campaign repositioned the already hugely popular beer brand and made it more appealing to a youthful and multicultural audience. “Whassup” penetrated pop culture and became a catchphrase used by people worldwide. Internet parodies abounded, late night talk show hosts quoted it. Everyone knew this campaign. For a comedic campaign to net a Grand Prix at Cannes, too, was a recognition of the power of an ad that was so good, it didn’t even quite feel like advertising but just watchable content.

14.    Chipotle: Back to the Start (2011, CAA Marketing)
This campaign started on YouTube, then was brought to TV -- sparking a new way for marketers to test the popularity of an ad and only pay for media after they know they have a hit on their hands. This spot was special too for the craft involved, and its strong animation. The way that Back to the Start was embraced was a validation that marketing ideas can come from anywhere, and in this case, maybe far-reaching with consumers when the company has such direct access to high-profile creative talent like Willie Nelson and Coldplay.

15.    UNICEF: Tap Project (2007, Droga5)
Launched on World Water Day in 2007, this effort to raise awareness about providing the clean and safe drinking water to children in impoverished areas of the world. UNICEF for $ 1 could offer a child clean water for 40 days, and so Droga5 partnered with restaurants -- first in New York, and later nationwide -- to encourage patrons for a single day to pay for their free drinking water. Not only did this cause marketing effort raise awareness of UNICEF’s work around the world, but it also directly helped children by donating the proceeds to sanitation programs. Some $ 2.5 million has been raised, thanks to this joint effort from consumers and retail.

Judges for the Top Ad Campaigns of the 21st Century

●    Sergio Alcocer, President and Chief Creative Officer, LatinWorks
●    John Boiler, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, 72andSunny
●    Mike Byrne, Global Chief Creative Officer, Anomaly
●    Cindy Chen, Global Head of Innovation, Gum Category, MondelÄ"z International
●    Dave Droga, Founder, Creative Chairman, Droga5
●    Susan McManama Gianinno, Chairman, North America, Publicis Worldwide
●    Greg Hahn, Chief Creative Officer, BBDO New York
●    Rei Inamoto, Chief Creative Officer, VP, AKQA
●    Naoki Ito, Creative Director and CEO, Party Inc.
●    Brad Jakeman, President, Global Beverage Group, PepsiCo
●    Linus Karlsson, Creative Chairman of Commonwealth//McCann
●    Andrew Keller, Chief Executive Officer, Partner, CP+B
●    Keith Reinhard, Chairman Emeritus, DDB Worldwide
●    Jimmy Smith, Chairman, CEO, Chief Creative Officer, Amusement Park Entertainment
●    Helayne Spivak, Director, VCU Brandcenter
●    Joyce King Thomas, Chairman, Chief Creative Officer, McCann XBC
●    Robert Wong, Co-founder/ Executive Creative Director, Google Creative Lab

Ad Age’s Top 15 Ad Campaigns of the 21st Century â€" Members’ Choice

1.    Dove: Campaign for Real Beauty (2004, Ogilvy)
2.    Apple: Get a Mac (2006, TBWA/Media Arts Lab)
3.    Dos Equis: Most Interesting Man in the World (2006, EuroRSCG [now Havas])
4.    IBM: Smarter Planet (2008, Ogilvy)
5.    Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (2010, Wieden & Kennedy)
6.    AT&T: It's Not that Complicated (2013, BBDO, Atlanta)
7.    Volkswagen: The Force (2011, Deutsch, Los Angeles)
8.    ETrade: The Baby Campaign (2008, Grey)
9.    American Legacy Foundation: Truth (2000, Arnold, CP&B)
10.    P&G: Thank You, Mom (2012, Wieden & Kennedy)
11.    Progressive: "Flo" Campaign (2008, Arnold)
12.    Budweiser: Whassup (2000, DDB)
13.    Geico: Gecko Campaign (2000, The Martin Agency)
14.    American Express: Small Business Saturday (2010, Digitas, CP&B)
15.    BMW Films (2001, Fallon)

About Advertising Age
Advertising Age is recognized as the leading global source of news, analysis and intelligence for the marketing and media community. Advertising Age includes ongoing coverage of strategic topics for marketers from mid to large companies complemented by breaking news and a database of the world's best creative. The 85-year-old publisher produces more than 15 original rankings each year, including the 100 Leading National Advertisers and 100 Leading Media Companies lists, the Agency A-List, and the annual Agency Report.


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The Boston Globe Launches New Living/Arts Section with Daily Themes and Fresh Content

The Boston Globe Launches New Living/Arts Section with Daily Themes and Fresh Content

The Boston Globe Launches New Living/Arts Section with Daily Themes and Fresh Content

Boston, Massachusetts (PRWEB) January 12, 2015

The Boston Globe launched today the new Living/Arts section â€" a daily broadsheet section focusing on arts, culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. Previously the "g" section, Living/Arts is now bigger and bolder with a fresh design and collection of new compelling features and columns.

The Living/Arts section will include the Globe’s award-winning coverage of arts and culture, as well as family, events, books, style, restaurants, and nightlife, among other new features, in an engaging and eye-catching package.

The new section will revolve around daily themes, Monday through Saturday:

•MondayFamily: Features include family-oriented articles, new parenting and pet columns, reviews of children’s books, home design and a quiz for kids.

•TuesdayStories: In-depth lifestyle profiles, book reviews and a new book-advice column, along with photo essays and “Clickworthy,” which will highlight noteworthy apps, websites, and viral videos.

•WednesdayFood: Restaurants, recipes, food trends and more, including a new column by acclaimed Boston Chef Gordon Hamersley.

•ThursdayScene: Nightlife, style and society pieces, featuring a night out with a celebrity column, a behind the bar column and chef interviews.

•Weekend: Expanded Friday coverage of movies, performance, visual art and events, including a new culture column by Ty Burr.

•SaturdayLife: Lifestyle features on wellness, fitness, nutrition, stress management, and technology, as well as the popular “Love Letters” column.

The expanded Sunday Arts section, launched in 2013, will also continue to provide 20-plus pages of arts and lifestyle content.

“Readers of the Globe have a great appreciation for arts and culture and a keen interest in the many stories that this region has to tell. With the latest redesign of the Living/Arts section we have an even broader canvas on which to display those stories, engage people in new ways, and inspire conversation,” said Boston Globe Deputy Managing Editor for Features Janice Page.

The new section also offers newly added premium advertising positions.

The Living/Arts launch serves as the latest example of the Globe’s unwavering commitment to providing depth of information and perspective on a variety of coverage areas. Its new Business, Capital (politics) and Address (real estate) sections are the most recent examples. For more information, please visit http://www.bostonglobe.com/todayspaper.

About Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC
Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC provides news and information, entertainment, opinion and analysis through its multimedia properties. BGMP includes the Boston Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, Cruxnow.com, BetaBoston.com and Globe Direct.

Contact
Mary Zanor, Elevate Communications, 617-548-1107, mzanor(at)elevatecom(dot)com, @Maryloganz


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Related Movies & TV Press Releases

Live from the Gallery: The Klezmatics Play Letters to Afar at the Museum of the City of New York, Monday, January 12, 7 - 9 p.m.

Live from the Gallery: The Klezmatics Play Letters to Afar at the Museum of the City of New York, Monday, January 12, 7 - 9 p.m.

Live from the Gallery: The Klezmatics Play Letters to Afar at the Museum of the City of New York, Monday, January 12, 7 - 9 p.m.

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 12, 2015

WHAT: Grammy Award-Winning band The Klezmatics will perform an acoustic version of the score they composed for Letters to Afar: by Peter Forgacs, music by The Klezmatics, a tremendously moving video art installation that uses home movies (from the archives of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research) made by Jewish New Yorkers to immerse visitors in the daily happenings of pre-Holocaust Poland, now on view at the Museum of the City of New York.

In the spirit of old-style klezmer street bands, the five-member, New York-based
Klezmatics will slowly make their way through the installation, playing traditional klezmer music, fused with elements of jazz, rock, gospel and other modern musical genres.

Guests are invited to wander the gallery, absorbing the Klezmatics' unique sounds and Forgacs' haunting re-staging of poignant family reunions and everyday life in Poland's cities, small towns and villages in the years before the Second World War, capturing a culture on the brink.

This event is co-presented with YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in conjunction with Letters to Afar: By Péter Forgács, music by the Klezmatics,on view at the City Museum through Sunday, March 22, 2015.

WHO: The Klezmatics, Grammy Award-Winning, New York-based klezmer band who composed the original score for Letters to Afar

WHEN: Monday, January 12, 7 -9 p.m.

WHERE: Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue (at 103rd Street)

CONTACT: Credentialed members of the press are invited to attend, and RSVP is mandatory. Contact Justyna Zajac (pressoffice(at)mcny(dot)org, ) or Brittnie Mabry (brittnie(at)philandcompany(dot)com, 646.490.6446)

About Letters to Afar: By Péter Forgács, music by the Klezmatics
Capturing life-views of 1930s Poland through the lens of Jewish New Yorkers. Co-presented by the City Museum and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, Letters to Afar is an immersive video art installation featuring home movies made by New York City's Jewish immigrants who traveled back to visit Poland during the 1920s and 30s. Internationally acclaimed Hungarian artist Péter Forgács created the audiovisual art installation under a commission by the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. With a haunting soundtrack by the New York-based and Grammy Award-winning band,The Klezmatics, these films bring a lost world to life in startling and moving detail. This exhibition was made possible with the generous support of The Kronhill Pletka Foundation, Righteous Persons Foundation, Seedlings Foundation and Sigmund Rolat.

About the Museum of the City of New York
Founded in 1923 as a private, nonprofit corporation, the Museum of the City of New York celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. The Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City, and serves the people of the city as well as visitors from around the world through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections. Visit http://www.mcny.org to learn more.

About YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research was founded in Vilna, Poland, in 1925, and relocated to New York City in 1940 with the mission to preserve, study and perpetuate knowledge of the thousand-year history and culture of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Today, YIVO's archival and library collections are the single largest resource for such study in the world. YIVO offers cultural events and programs throughout the year, educational programs, scholarly publications, and fellowships. http://www.yivoinstitute.org


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New Members Flock to Stop Mega Comcast Coalition

New Members Flock to Stop Mega Comcast Coalition

New Members Flock to Stop Mega Comcast Coalition

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) January 12, 2015

The Stop Mega Comcast Coalition, which comprises public interest organizations, private companies, labor unions and industry associations opposed to the proposed merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, today announced the addition of 12 new organizations, bringing the coalition to 27 total members. The new members include:

    Common Cause     Consumers Union     Engine     LPTV Spectrum Rights Coalition     Media Alliance     National Alliance for Media Arts & Culture     National Consumer Law Center, on behalf of its low-income clients     Open Technology Institute, New America Foundation     The National Asian American Coalition (NAAC)     The Rural Broadband Alliance     Writer’s Guild of America, East     Z Living

“The rapid growth of the Stop Mega Comcast Coalition reflects the profound threat this merger poses to consumers, competitors and the public interest,” said Gene Kimmelman, President and CEO of Public Knowledge. “Our continued growth will serve to amplify our message to law enforcement agencies that this merger must be blocked.”

The coalition’s expanded roster reflects the growing importance of this issue to consumers and the competitive landscape. To date, over 680,000 public comments have been filed with the FCC to express opposition to the merger, including the filings by Stop Mega Comcast Coalition members. Prevailing concerns include the risk that the combined company will dominate the high-speed broadband market, and have the means and incentive to use that dominance to increase prices, act as gatekeeper to consumer access to content and further erode customer service â€" among myriad other potential issues.

“The swelling opposition to this transaction speaks volumes,” said Kimmelman. “Even in the face of Comcast’s well known penchant for retaliating against companies that dare oppose it, organizations of all types are joining together to say this merger is not in the public interest. We encourage all interested organizations and stakeholders to join our fight against this merger.”

For more information, please visit: http://www.stopmegacomcast.com. Coalition’s current membership includes: Common Cause, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation Of America, Consumers Union, DISH Network Corporation, Engine, FairPoint Communications, Future of Music Coalition, Greenlining Institute, Hargray Communications Group, Independent Telephone & Telecommunications Alliance (“ITTA”), LPTV Spectrum Rights Coalition, Media Alliance, National Alliance for Media Arts & Culture, National Consumer Law Center, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, Open Technology Institute, New America Foundation, Parents Television Council, Public Knowledge, The Blaze, The National Asian American Coalition (“NAAC”), The Rural Broadband Alliance (“RBA”), The Sports Fans Coalition, WeatherNation TV, Writers Guild of America, East, Writers Guild of America, West, and Z Living.

###

Statements from the new Coalition members:

Delara Derakhshani, Policy Counsel, Consumers Union:
“Consumers are highly skeptical of this merger â€" and for good reason. Both Comcast and Time Warner Cable are notorious for poor customer service and arbitrary price hikes â€" issues which are bound to persist, if not increase, under Mega Comcast’s regime. By joining this coalition, we hope to sound the alarm on how this merger would lead to higher prices, fewer choices and worse service for consumers.”

Common Cause:
“The creation of Mega Comcast would be a mega disaster for America, triggering higher costs for customers, greater barriers to entry for independent voices, and fewer choices for Internet users across the country. Momentum against this deal continues to grow, and we look forward to working with regulators to see that it's blocked.”

Open Technology Institute at New America Foundation:
“With control of over 50 percent of high-speed broadband connections, a post-merger Comcast would have the ability and the incentive to raise prices, limit access to content, and fundamentally alter how consumers use the Internet. We urge regulators to fulfill their commitments to fair competition and consumer choice by rejecting this merger.”

Gaurav Bidasaria, Chief Financial Officer, Z Living:
“The public interest in reasonable access to innovative, multi-cultural, diverse, informative and entertaining programming requires the protection of independent programmers. However, the very existence of true independents will be threatened if control of distribution is concentrated in one or two mega-carriers, particularly if those companies demonstrate hostility towards independents and favor networks in which they are invested or which are part of multi-channel conglomerates. The FCC should reject any merger that robs consumers of the right to choose, and independent programmers of the ability to compete.”

Evan Engstrom, Policy Director, Engine:
“Consumers, startups and the economy will suffer if Mega Comcast materializes. The merger would allow Mega Comcast to both expand and tighten its grip on the broadband and cable marketplace, and to discriminate against competing service providers. Under these conditions, the incentive to develop new Internet technologies would rapidly decline.”

LPTV Spectrum Rights Coalition:
“Both parties involved in this transaction are notorious for discriminating against low power television (LPTV) stations, many of which specialize in local or community-centric content. Post-merger, consumer access to hyper-local and civic programming would undoubtedly suffer, while many small broadcast stations supporting this content would likely be forced to shut down operations. We urge the FCC and DOJ to take stock of the devastating impact Mega Comcast would have on the thousands of small business LPTV stations, as well as our tens of millions of consumer-viewers, and to block the merger.”

Tracy Rosenberg, Executive Director, Media Alliance:
“Mega Comcast would threaten the U.S. media infrastructure, to the detriment of consumers everywhere. The conglomerate’s profound power over content and distribution would ensure smaller, rival companies are denied access to viewers, and dramatically decrease innovation among competitors. Given that Comcast has raised its prices nearly 70 percent over the last five years, consumers could anticipate ongoing rate increases, despite fewer viewing options. The evidence is clear â€" the merger must be stopped.”

Wendy Levy, Executive Director
National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture:
“Independent arts and media organizations provide crucial social, economic and cultural value to audiences across the county. If approved, this merger would severely limit the ability of creative agencies, producers, filmmakers and journalists to develop and share new content and innovative projects with mainstream audiences. Despite paying for so-called premium service, consumers would find far fewer choices and the voices of under-represented communities would effectively be censored. We urge regulators to reject this transaction, and protect access to independent voices in the media.”

National Consumer Law Center, on behalf of its low-income clients:
“We are concerned about the impact of this merger on the access to affordable, quality broadband service for households with limited means, including fixed-income seniors, consumers with disabilities and low-income families. Any transaction among media-and-technology companies that expands the digital divide is not in the public interest.”

Faith Bautista, President and CEO
The National Asian American Coalition:
“"More than 130 million minorities in the U.S. already face abundant challenges to accessing affordable, quality Internet and cable services at four times the cost of similar comprehensive packages in France or Korea. Mega Comcast’s dominance over broadband would compound these market conditions, further reducing options for minority consumers. As a result our organization has met with and will continue to meet with regulators to relay how this transaction would harm underserved communities throughout the U.S."

The Rural Broadband Alliance:
“Access to Internet and cable services is critical to everyday life in rural areas, as are the small and local businesses that facilitate these services. However, if Mega Comcast usurps control of nearly one-third of the pay TV market â€" as this merger would allow â€" the ability to provide affordable programming to consumers in rural areas, if at all, would inevitably decline. To protect rural communities from these exclusionary practices, the merger must be blocked.”

Michael Winship, President, Writer’s Guild of America, East:
“Writers are the lifeblood of the television shows, movies, radio programming and digital media consumers enjoy every day. The consolidation of Comcast and Time Warner Cable would render an entity so vast and powerful that these creators of content would face significantly fewer opportunities to pitch, develop and distribute compelling programming to viewers. This deal is anti-creativity, anti-competition, anti-consumer.”


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DarbeeVision Delivers 4K UHD Content Using Visual Presence at CES

DarbeeVision Delivers 4K UHD Content Using Visual Presence at CES

DarbeeVision Delivers 4K UHD Content Using Visual Presence at CES

(PRWEB) January 05, 2015

DarbeeVision Inc, the leading developer of image processing technology and products, will be showing DARBEE Visual Presence-enhanced 4K UHD content on state-of-the art 4K equipment. The presentations will further prove that while pixel count, color depth and screen brightness are wonderful for creating fidelity to the depicted scene, DARBEE Visual Presence enables an even higher level of digital image realism, for creating truly immersive and lifelike images.

Among the showcases of OEM partner products, DarbeeVision will show the brand new computer graphics card from Galaxy Microsystems. The Galaxy GTX 750TI DARBEE Edition, with an HDMI input port for external devices, enables DARBEE Visual Presence processing for external gaming consoles, broadcast TV, IPTV, movies, and PC video game content. This versatile and unique video processing product combines the very best of computer gaming and home theater PC (HTPC), creating a rich visual experience for HDMI-enabled video chains.

Also on display in the DarbeeVision Suite #450 at the Westgate, located adjacent to the LVCC:

New DARBEE On Demand™ cloud-based Visual Presence image processing GoPro Action Camera Footage enhanced with DARBEE Visual Presence Amazon Fire TV and Google Chromecast streaming video with DARBEE Visual Presence Oculus Rift Head-mounted VR display enhanced with DARBEE Visual Presence PlayStation 4 and XBOX One video game contents enhanced with DARBEE Visual Presence OPPO “DARBEE Edition” Blu-ray Players DarbeeVision Products: DVP-5000 and DVP-5100

For all the latest news and updates from the DarbeeVision team, please contact Aaron Spann, to make an appointment to stop by the DarbeeVision Exhibition Suite #450 at the Westgate (formerly LVH) and enjoy the best immersive visual enhancement technology on the planet.

About DarbeeVision
Formed in 2009 as a privately held company, DarbeeVision, Inc is headquartered in Orange, California. DarbeeVision has developed proprietary technologies that bring a revolutionary level of depth and realism to digital images. By integrating Visual Presence into existing digital image media devices, pictures can be made better than what even the most perfect camera and display can achieve -- much better in fact, by using computation to process an image in the same way the brain does, actually helping the eyes see images the way the brain expects them to look. DarbeeVision's technology is available to OEMs as IP for licensing. For information, call 714-787-1006, email info@darbeevision.com or visit DarbeeVision.com.
All DarbeeVision patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing are the property of DarbeeVision, Inc.


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Friday, January 16, 2015

Ouija

Ouija

Ouija® to Celebrate its 125th Anniversary at OUIJACON in Baltimore April 23-25

Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) January 13, 2015

The Talking Board Historical Society, Inc. (http://www.tbhs.org), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, announced today that it will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Ouija® Board April 23-25, 2015 at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel. The purpose of OUIJACON is to bring together talking board collectors, historians, paranormal experts, fans, and enthusiasts for a first-of-its-kind event that will feature symposiums, panel discussions, vendors, and an exhibit displaying some of the rarest and most valuable talking boards on the planet.

The Ouija Board was named in Baltimore, Maryland, and manufactured there by the Kennard Novelty Company beginning in 1890. William Fuld soon took over the company to steer the famous talking board to worldwide acclaim. Millions of boards have been produced over the last 125 years. In 1967 the Ouija Board even outsold Monopoly®, and the talking board has been featured in hundreds of songs, movies, and television shows.

“The Ouija Board has been called a gateway to the other side, a tool for demons, and it’s been labeled as just a game,” said Robert Murch, Chairman of the Board, Talking Board Historical Society, Inc. “On April 23rd, we’re going to celebrate the 125th birthday of the Ouija Board and discuss not only its history, but its effect on popular culture throughout the decades.”

Generically known as talking boards, there is a vast community of collectors who have chronicled the history and lore of these games. OUIJACON will feature a museum of boards, dial plates, spirit trumpets, planchettes, and other items from the Spiritualist movement and beyond.

“We’re holding OUIJACON for the collectors, paranormal investigators who seem to either love or hate this game, fans of Victorian-era séances and Spiritualist devices, and those who have been enamored with Ouija since childhood but may not know the whole story,” said Brandon Hodge, Vice President, Talking Board Historical Society, Inc. “Ouija has been part of our lexicon for over a century. In April, we’re going to tell you why.”

About OUIJACON
OUIJACON will take place April 23-25, 2015 at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel. The three-day conference will include a meet-and-greet party among the most extensive collection of talking boards and Spiritualist items ever assembled under one roof. The event will feature talks by notable historians and paranormal experts such as Robert Murch, Jeff Belanger, Chip Coffey, John Zaffis, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Brandon Hodge, Dave Schrader, Karen Dahlman, Darren Evans, and more to be announced. All OUIJACON proceeds will go to benefit the Talking Board Historical Society, Inc.

For tickets, speaker biographies, and more information, please visit: http://www.tbhs.org/ouijacon

About the Talking Board Historical Society, Inc.
The Talking Board Historical Society, Inc. (http://www.tbhs.org) began in 2008 as a loose affiliation of talking board collectors and enthusiasts, brought together by talking board historian Robert Murch to bring recognition to the forgotten founders and history of the enigmatic Ouija. In 2014, the TBHS officially incorporated and became a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), naming Robert Murch Chairman of the Board. The TBHS has since worked tirelessly to preserve the history of this unique pop culture phenomenon.

Past projects include raising the funds to erect a Ouija-inspired headstone at the formerly unmarked grave of Ouija patentee Elijah Bond in Baltimore’s historic Green Mount Cemetery, which has since become the historic cemetery’s most-popular gravesite. Their next project is the construction of a grave marker recognizing the medium Helen Peters for her role in giving the Ouija its unique name. Through these projects and others, the Talking Board Historical Society hopes to bring greater and wider recognition to the nearly-forgotten stories and lives of this incredible institution.


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SWAIA Chief Development Officer, Charlene Porsild to Leave in February

SWAIA Chief Development Officer, Charlene Porsild to Leave in February

SWAIA Chief Development Officer, Charlene Porsild to Leave in February

Santa Fe, NM (PRWEB) January 15, 2015

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is saddened to announce the resignation of Charlene Porsild, Chief Development Officer. She is leaving to pursue new opportunities and challenges as President and CEO of the Montana History Foundation.

Porsild joined SWAIA in the summer of 2013 bringing decades of fundraising and administrative experience in the cultural, historical, and educational sectors. During a challenging transition period for SWAIA, she brought stability to the organization that hosts the largest festival of Native arts and culture in the world. With over 100,000 visitors and millions of dollars brought into the state and local economy, artists depend on the successful production of the Santa Fe Indian Market. “It has been a privilege to serve SWAIA and to assist in the management of Santa Fe Indian Market. Dallin Maybee and I have a terrific working relationship and I know he will continue to make Indian Market a huge success,” said Porsild.

“The SWAIA family and community will definitely feel the loss of Charlene,” says Dallin Maybee, Chief Operating Officer of SWAIA. “We co-directed one of the most successful Indian Markets in recent years and it was in large measure due to her commitment to the artists. Her pragmatic approach and work ethic ensured accountability and success for us as an organization and it’s no wonder that others want and need to apply her talents to their organization as well. I am extremely saddened to see her go.”

Given her own professional history with Montana, her return there was inevitable. Porsild says of her new position, “I am a Western historian, and I’m well-published in the field of Montana history, including my recent co-authored book “Place Names of Montana” (now in its 11th printing) therefore when I got recruited for the position of President and CEO of the Montana History Foundation, I couldn’t pass it up, it is a great fit.”

Immediately following the success of the Winter Indian Market in December, preparations for the 94th annual Santa Fe Indian Market are currently well under way for August 22-23, with hundreds of applications arriving daily. Months of planning are necessary to ensure that the Indian Market remains the pinnacle of events that celebrate fine art, dance, film, and education. Currently, a search has begun to fill her role in development, spearheaded by the SWAIA Board of Directors.

Dallin continues, “We’ve weathered a lot of transitions over the past year and together we’ve secured a solid future for the Indian Market. The work of the Development Officer is more important than ever. We are looking for a smart, dedicated and passionate professional who will further the great relationships and fundraising efforts Charlene has created for us.”

Chair of the Board, Stockton Colt candidly states, “The SWAIA Board is certainly appreciative of the success and stability Charlene has brought to SWAIA. We wish her well in all her new endeavors.”

Porsild further states, “I am honored to have been part of this organization and I have been awed and inspired by the commitment, integrity, and support of the Board of Directors.”

Information about the Chief Development Officer position at SWAIA will be made available on its website http://www.swaia.org.

About SWAIA:
SWAIA Mission Statement: Bringing Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships.

SWAIA is an advocate for Native American arts and cultures, and creates economic and cultural opportunities for Native American artists by producing and promoting the Santa Fe Indian Market as the finest Indian art event in the world; cultivating excellence and innovation across traditional and non-traditional art forms; and developing programs and events that support, promote, and honor Native artists year-round.

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PlaySwell Announces $1M in Seed Funding

PlaySwell Announces $1M in Seed Funding

PlaySwell Announces $ 1M in Seed Funding

Products - Discovered, Loved & Shared on PlaySwell

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 13, 2015

PlaySwell announces it has raised a $ 1M seed round from a mix of angels and institutional investors, including WI Harper, Crosslink, New Atlantic Ventures, and Artiman. The team includes several distinguished startup veterans and is led by Jordan Greenhall, who was the founding CEO of DivX.

PlaySwell's mission is to build a new online community where people showcase and share products they have discovered, that they think are special, important and awesome but may not get the attention they deserve. The PlaySwell Alpha site has already attracted an interesting catalogue of high-quality everyday consumer goods, including everything from pocket knives, headphones and drones to music, books, movies, kids toys, specialty foods, and purses. What holds them all together is that all of the products are both, made by people who clearly care about their craft, and sponsored by a member of the community.

"We're seeing something remarkable unfold as the same trends that disrupted music and video are now playing out in consumer-goods. Imagine if there were a place online where people came together to share their wisdom. Where honesty and lived expertise was the standard. The best stuff would rise to the surface and the market would reward care and quality over manipulation,” said Greenhall, “It should be that Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc., would be the places where this kind of sharing and discovery take place, but they have all dropped the ball. This is because these large players prioritize advertising revenue over the actual quality of the things promoted on their platforms... we are taking a different approach.”

As the social media landscape becomes increasingly dominated by advertising dollars, the rule is becoming: if you don’t have the means to buy an audience, you will get lost in the noise. This is true even for extraordinary products that are deeply loved by aficionados. It doesn’t have to be that way. The PlaySwell vision is a world where people help each other and advertising is a fading memory from an unfortunate period of history.

About PlaySwell

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, PlaySwell is a new online community where people showcase and share products they think deserve to be better known. These are things like music, books, movies, gadgets, and specialty foods made by caring manufactures, makers and craftspeople. For more information, please visit http://www.playswell.com.


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